Q. What is the entire process of receiving a non-face-to-face Korean medicine diet prescription in Songdo?

Even though it is non-face-to-face, the procedure is nearly the same as an in-person consultation. The only difference is that we connect via video at a scheduled time. At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we first ask you to apply for a consultation via KakaoTalk or our website, and then request that you fill out a brief medical questionnaire. Please include your height, weight, usual eating habits, digestive status, bowel movements, sleep, stress, and if you have tried any Western diet medications, also note that experience. Next, we schedule a video consultation. I initially wondered if a Korean Medicine doctor could properly assess a patient non-face-to-face, but actually, patients can talk more comfortably in their own space, allowing for more detailed discussion. Since we cannot take your pulse during the video session, we ask you to send a photo of your tongue for tongue diagnosis (SHEZHEN). Combining this with the questionnaire, we comprehensively determine whether your pattern is spleen deficiency (PI XU), phlegm-rheum (TAN YIN), blood stasis (YU XUE), or a combination. For example, if you have poor digestion, bloating, or no appetite yet gain weight, you are likely closer to spleen deficiency; if you experience edema and feel phlegm in your throat, phlegm-rheum is suspected. After pattern identification, we prescribe a corresponding herbal formula. You can choose between a decoction (TANGYAO) or pills (HUAN). We also provide lifestyle instructions regarding diet, exercise, and sleep—for instance, avoid cold foods and eat warm porridge if you have spleen deficiency, or reduce greasy foods and do light aerobic exercise if phlegm-rheum is dominant. The medicine is shipped the next day, and you typically take it for 2–4 weeks per course. During the first 1–2 weeks, your body adapts to the herbal formula, so you may experience temporary reactions such as drowsiness or more frequent bowel movements. After about a month, many patients report feeling more comfortable in the stomach, less morning puffiness, and better appetite control. We then conduct video follow-ups every 2–4 weeks to review changes and adjust the prescription as needed. Even in a non-face-to-face setting, consistent management can effectively improve your constitution. The key is to combine the herbal medicine with lifestyle changes, and we help you with that part together.